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☆ India, China, Brazil should be engaged in possible Ukraine peace summit -Danish foreign min
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

COPENHAGEN, May 22 (Reuters) - Denmark would like to host a summit in July about how to find peace between Ukraine and Russia, but such a meeting would require engagement from India, China and Brazil, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Monday. A peace summit should not just be attended by Ukraine's allies. "It is necessary to build interest and involvement from countries like India, Brazil and China," Lokke Rasmussen said, adding that "it is hard for me to see" Russia participating in such a summit. "If Ukraine finds that the time has come to have such a meeting, that would be fantastic. And then Denmark would obviously like to host the meeting," he said.

☆ The High School Sprint Phenom Who Beat Her Prom Date
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Rachel Bachman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The fans packed into the high school track meet stands stared at the start line. The discus throwers paused. And the sprinter everyone was watching, a 17-year-old girl, burst from the starting blocks, strided neck-and-neck with her competitors, then surged across the finish line ahead of them all—including four boys. The rare mixed-gender 100-meter race, at the Summit Invitational on May 6 in Bend., Ore., was built just for Mia Brahe-Pedersen. That’s because the junior at Lake Oswego (Ore.) High School has had an increasingly hard time finding decent competition.

☆ Groves wins chaotic Giro stage five after dog causes Evenepoel crash
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

May 10 (Reuters) - Favourite Remco Evenepoel crashed twice on stage five of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday, the first time after a dog strayed on to the road in treacherous conditions caused by driving rain, before Kaden Groves won the stage in a bunch sprint. The second crash did not affect Evenepoel's time as it happened inside the three-km mark, effectively neutralising the general classification times. But the crash left the Belgian world champion fuming while the rest of the bunch surged ahead and Alpecin–Deceuninck's Groves dominated the sprint to win the stage. The breakaway trio of Thomas Champion, Samuele Zoccarato and Stefano Gandin had built up a head of steam before they were absorbed by the peloton with seven km to go. Just super bad luck, with the second crash," he said.

The discord between Russia and the other Arctic Council members means that an effective response to these changes is far less likely. Recently, it has taken steps to expand cooperation in the Arctic with non-Arctic states. On April 24, Russia and China signed a memorandum establishing cooperation between the countries' coast guards in the Arctic. "We need to safeguard the Arctic Council as the most important international forum for Arctic cooperation and make sure it survives," Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Eivind Vad Petersson told Reuters. "I don't see an Arctic Council without Russia in the future," said Larsen, a Greenland lawmaker at the Danish Parliament and the Chair of Arctic Parliamentarians, a body including MPs from across the Arctic countries.

☆ Matthews wins stage three of Giro d'Italia, Evenepoel extends lead
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Cycling - Giro d'Italia - Stage 3 - Vasto to Melfi - Italy - May 8, 2023 Team Jayco AlUla's Michael Matthews celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win stage 3 REUTERS/Jennifer LorenziniMay 8 (Reuters) - Australian Michael Matthews timed his final effort to perfection to win a rain-affected stage three at the Giro d'Italia on Monday, following a 216-km ride from Vasto to Melfi. They were fully committed for me to win the stage," Matthews said. Now already on stage three with a stage win? Primoz Roglic, who was eclipsed by rival Evenepoel in the intermediate sprint, climbed to third. One second more on Primoz and three on the others, it's good, especially after such an easy day of racing."

☆ Denmark's central bank raises key rate, following ECB hike
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

COPENHAGEN, May 4 (Reuters) - Denmark's central bank raised its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.85% on Thursday, following a rate hike earlier in the day by the European Central Bank. "The interest rate increase is a consequence of the increase by the European Central Bank of its main monetary policy rate, the deposit facility rate, by 0.25 percentage point," the central bank said in a statement. The move was Denmark's seventh rate hike since July last year, closely tracking the ECB and other central banks across the globe that are tightening monetary policy to combat inflation. Denmark's benchmark current account interest rate and the certificate of deposit rate were each raised by 0.25 percentage points to 2.85% from 2.6%, while the so-called lending rate was raised by 0.25 percentage points to 3% from 2.75%. Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, editing by Mark HeinrichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Russian navy vessels seen near Nord Stream before blasts - Nordic broadcasters report
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Russian navy ships were traced using satellite images and intercepted radio communication from the Russian fleet, the four broadcasters, Denmark's DR, Norway's NRK, Sweden's SVT and Finland's Yle, said. Authorities in Denmark, Sweden and Germany have said the explosions that ruptured the Nord Stream 1 and newly-built Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines that link Russia and Germany across the Baltic Sea were deliberate. The Kremlin on Tuesday denied Russian ships had any involvement in the sabotage and called for results of the investigations to be published. The Russian ships traced by the four broadcasters had all switched off their AIS signal, an automatic tracking system used on ship, they said. One of the ships in the area was Russian navy research vessel Sibiryakov, satellite images indicated.

SAS has lost almost 60% of its value since it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last July, seeking to slash costs and debt after wage talks with pilots collapsed. Apollo will mainly work with aviation regulators in Sweden and Denmark to secure approval, the first source said. The move comes as the airline looks for large investors and seeks to raise equity as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. Denmark's finance ministry told Reuters it was looking for one or more shareholders to take a majority stake in SAS. The company also became the largest shareholder in Mexican airline Aeromexico (GRPAF.PK) in 2020 following Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

☆ U.S. dollar gains as risk appetite wanes
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. dollar index climbed 0.48% to 101.84, having dropped more than 4% since March 8. A weak consumer confidence report and a decline in Federal Reserve manufacturing data further added to the dollar's safe-haven appeal. Data showed U.S. consumer confidence fell to a nine-month low in April, a survey showed on Tuesday. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 101.3 — the lowest since July 2022 - from a revised 104.0 in March. The yen fell 0.39% to 133.70 per dollar.

SpaceX plans to launch its new Starship mega-rocket to orbit on Thursday, after a frozen valve stopped the first attempt. If Starship succeeds, it'll be the tallest, most powerful, and only fully reusable rocket to ever fly. SpaceX plans to attempt the launch and see what happens on Thursday, during a launch window from 8:28 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Central Time. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, who estimates a 50-50 chance of success on Starship's first orbital launch. SpaceX/Handout via Reuters"A pressurant valve appears to be frozen, so unless it starts operating soon, no launch today," Musk tweeted.

☆ Eugene Kohn Built Architecture Firm That Redrew Skylines
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( James R. Hagerty | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Eugene Kohn led KPF as president until 2003 and remained chairman until early this year. Eugene Kohn’s timing didn’t seem ideal when he launched a New York-based architecture firm in 1976. Mr. Kohn estimated that nearly 60% of architects in the New York area were out of work. During an economic lull, it also was easy to make appointments with people likely to need his services eventually. After a slow start, his Kohn Pedersen Fox firm established itself within two decades as a major international contender.

☆ Object near Nord Stream 2 pipeline poses no safety risk - Denmark
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

COPENHAGEN, March 29 (Reuters) - An object found close to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea appeared to be a maritime buoy and does not pose a safety risk, the Danish Energy Agency said on Wednesday. The object, which was retrieved on Tuesday by the Danish navy, was discovered during an inspection of the last remaining intact pipeline by Swiss-based operator Nord Stream 2 AG. The object does not pose a safety risk," the agency said in a statement. Last week, Denmark invited the Russian-controlled Nord Stream operator to assist in retrieving the object. A representative from Nord Stream 2 AG was present during the operation, which was carried out at a depth of 73 meters, the agency said.

The Arctic Council was created in 1996 to discuss issues affecting the polar region, ranging from pollution to local economic development to search-and-rescue missions. The Arctic Council comprises the eight Arctic states of Russia, the United States, Canada, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark. Russia's possible degree of involvement with the Council once Norway takes over is still unclear. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier extended an invitation to Arctic officials to attend a transition ceremony in Salekhard, Siberia. Russian Arctic Ambassador Nikolay Korchunov, chair of the Senior Arctic Officials on the council, told Reuters the transition would "presuppose active and responsible participation of all Arctic Council member states in this preparatory process."

☆ Nordic countries plan joint air defence to counter Russian threat
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

COPENHAGEN, March 24 (Reuters) - Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark said on Friday they have signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The move to integrate the air forces was triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, commander of the Danish air force, Major General Jan Dam, told Reuters. Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order, while Denmark has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order. The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the U.S. Air Force in the region. The Nordic air force commanders first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in November in Sweden.

☆ Relativity Space made history by launching the first 3D printed rocket into space. Here's how the company aims to beat Elon Musk to Mars by 2024.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Marianne Guenot | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Ellis sees his race to Mars as more of a collaboration than a competition. A photo montage shows SpaceX's Super Heavy booster next to Elon Musk, pictured n Berlin, Germany. SpaceX's upcoming planned Starship launch is a big part of NASA's plan to return to the moon, and ultimately Mars. Once it can demonstrate it can bring a payload to Mars, the next step is to bring its printers there. "At first that may be spare parts and other small replacement components for things that break down once you're there.

COPENHAGEN, March 23 (Reuters) - Denmark on Thursday invited the Russian-controlled operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to help salvage an unidentified object found close to the only remaining intact gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea. "With a view to further clarifying the nature of the object, Danish authorities have decided to salvage the object with assistance from the Danish Defence," the country's Energy Agency said in a statement on Thursday. "The Danish Energy Agency has in that context invited the owner of the pipeline, Nord Stream 2 AG, to participate in the operation," it said, adding it was awaiting a response from the operator. The pipeline operator is controlled by Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom (GAZP.MM). It was not clear if he referred to the same object that Danish authorities will attempt to salvage.

☆ Bang & Olufsen shares drop after disappointing China sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Headphones are displayed in the Bang & Olufsen flagship store in Copenhagen, Denmark October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen/File PhotoSTOCKHOLM, March 17 (Reuters) - Shares in Bang & Olufsen (BO.CO) plummeted 11% on Friday after the Danish audio and video equipment maker reported a preliminary operating loss for the third quarter and lowered its full-year profit outlook due to disappointing sales in China. The company posted an operating loss before special items for the third quarter of 43 million Danish crowns ($6.14 million) between December to February. Sales in China declined by 65% in the third quarter, the company said. Shares in B&O were trading 11% lower by 1513 GMT, headed for their biggest daily decline since December 2019.

☆ Putin says Nord Stream blasts carried out on 'state level'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Caleb Davis | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

March 14 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that last year's blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines had been carried out on a "state level", dismissing the idea an autonomous pro-Ukraine group was responsible as "complete nonsense". The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines connecting Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea were hit by a series of unexplained explosions last September, in what Moscow has called an act of "international terrorism". 'ANTENNA'Commenting on a report suggesting that a pro-Ukraine had attacked the pipelines, Putin said this was "complete nonsense". Theoretically, of course, the United States is interested," Putin said. The United States strongly denies any involvement in the Nord Stream blasts.

The SFDR defines sustainable investment as contributing to "an environmental or social objective", assessed by indicators such as use of raw materials or production of waste. The people Reuters spoke to said discrepancies among fund portfolios reflected a lack of clarity from the Commission over what constitutes a sustainable investment. Reuters GraphicsReuters GraphicsTEMPERATURE GAUGEMSCI, the finance industry data provider, has developed a way of checking on investment funds' green credentials with its ESG Implied Temperature Rise tool. Among them, for example, are BlackRock's Sustainable Energy Fund, Nordea's Global Climate and Environment Fund and Pictet's Global Environmental Opportunities Fund. "The characterisation of what constitutes a sustainable investment under the SFDR is also a concept that needs further clarifications at European level."

☆ Denmark investigates yacht linked to Nord Stream blasts
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Nikolaj Skydsgaard | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHRISTIANSÖ in the Baltic Sea, Denmark March 9 (Reuters) - Danish police have searched for a yacht on a tiny Baltic Sea island near the Nord Stream pipeline blast sites, the local administrator said on Thursday. German authorities confirmed on Wednesday they had raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport explosives used to blow up the pipelines. Authorities in Sweden, Germany and Denmark, who are currently investigating the blasts, say the explosions were deliberate but have not said who might be responsible. Christiansö is part of a small archipelago about 18 km northeast of the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm. The archipelago with just 98 inhabitants is a former naval fortress but remains under administration of the Danish defence ministry.

Carlsberg shares have risen more than 60% during Hart's tenure, outperforming AB Inbev and Heineken, whose shares have dropped around 47% and risen around 45% respectively. Carlsberg's shares fell 3.5% at market open in Copenhagen, but later pared losses and were 0.7% lower at 1118 GMT. "Cees 't Hart has delivered remarkable results during his time at Carlsberg," Supervisory Board Chair Henrik Poulsen said. It is also seeking an option to buy back the Russian business in the future. With only around 16% of revenue coming from Eastern Europe, Carlsberg's biggest markets are Western Europe and Asia.

☆ Lego looks to build on 2022 sales growth with more China stores
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

COPENHAGEN, March 7 (Reuters) - Toymaker Lego said store openings in China and strong demand in Western Europe and the Americas had delivered 17% sales growth in 2022, adding that it expects to outpace the market this year. Lego plans to open another 145 stores this year, mostly in China, which Christiansen said in an interview he expects will help it to grow sales by a high single-digit percentage. "After a few extraordinary years we may see a return to more normal growth," Christiansen said. "High growth in sales has helped us compensate for those extra costs on freight, energy and raw materials," he said. As part of its strategy of placing production close to its key markets, Lego plans to begin operating new factories in Vietnam and Virginia, U.S. in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

[1/5] The logo of Nord Stream AG is seen at an office building in the town of Vyborg, Leningrad Region, Russia August 22, 2022. Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, each consisting of two pipes, were built by Russia's state-controlled Gazprom to pump 110 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas a year to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Three of the pipes were ruptured by unexplained blasts in September, and one of the Nord Stream 2 pipes remains intact. Engie (ENGIE.PA), Gasunie (GSUNI.UL) and Wintershall DEA (WINT.UL) (BASFn.DE) - stakeholders in Nord Stream AG, the operator of Nord Stream 1 - declined to comment. The similar-sized Nord Stream 2 had been completed in September 2021 as tensions with Russia were growing and ran in trouble as Germany's regulators refused to certify it.

[1/3] Ben & Jerry's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on display in a store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 24, 2022. Eliminating less popular products is part of a "decomplexity program" underway at Kraft Heinz, its executives said at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference this week. Nestle said cutting products saved 1 billion Swiss francs last year ($1.06 billion), while Unilever said the practice saved $2 billion. At the consumer products conference they highlighted new offerings, many of them increasingly popular handheld foods that people can eat while scrolling on phones. "You'd be shocked by the loyalty and personal connections people have to food products," he said.

[1/3] Ben & Jerry's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on display in a store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 24, 2022. Nestle said cutting products saved 1 billion Swiss francs last year ($1.06 billion), while Unilever said the practice saved $2 billion. Food makers tend to cull products without much fanfare. At the consumer products conference they highlighted new offerings, many of them increasingly popular handheld foods that people can eat while scrolling on phones. "You'd be shocked by the loyalty and personal connections people have to food products," he said.

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